EL Digital Saviors 23
Ok loyal readers now that we've seen how the DigiDestined tell off Etemon and show their battle power he'll be put on the backburner for now. The next plot point was something I mentioned at an earlier point. Kohta's father and aunt. How is he going to react to this Digital World business? And Lucy along with Nana & Mariko and their Diclonius heritage. Well read and find out. Story is still rated the same. Please read and review.
-chapter 23 - Family Affairs
After the battle yesterday in the city our collective group of heroes were stuck at the Inn going through some of their schoolwork. Since the school's kept getting destroyed in the many monster attacks the students were sent work to finish at home. That included the DigiDestined spending time at the Inn. To make them all the more grumpy was the deluge of steady rain that started early in the morning.
The rain always depressed Lucy for some reason as she went about finishing her caramel brownie batter mix. "Hah let's see just have to add the eggs... Huh?'' She went reaching for said eggs then finding them gone (they were the last in the carton). "Where'd my eggs go?''
It was Mariko who answered her in the most obnoxious way possible. ''I wanted to hatch them so I kept them warm in a scarf. But then they wouldn't hatch.'' She pointing to the scarf atop the old clock.
Sure enough there they were just snug as could be having the scarf wrapped around them. The sight made the older pink-haired girl facepalm in disgust. Those eggs must have been sitting there for days. Who knew just how rotten they were? "Mariko those kind of eggs don't hatch. Now I gotta get more. Thanks for nothing.'' Lucy grumbled.
But that made no sense to the wheelchair bound girl. If the eggs didn't hatch then where'd chickens come from she thought? She was puzzled. "But you said before... "
''You need roosters to get the eggs to hatch." Lucy explained hoping Mariko would get it.
This cued her equally ludicrous reply. A light-bulb lit up in her mind. "Oh so we need a rooster to sit on them too huh? Where do we buy one?''
Again Lucy facepalmed hard as she knew she wasn't getting anywhere in this argument. She covered the bowel filled with batter with foil then stashed it in the fridge until she could get more eggs. Plopping herself at the dinner table Lucy needed a rest period to get her mind off the two younger Diclonii girls. The naivety of Nana & Mariko could really annoy her sometimes. It wasn't deliberate but still their lack of many things about common-sense or society often got them into trouble.
In particular Mariko loved to push Lucy's buttons and acting out more. Thankfully nothing that needed her to get spanked at least. Nana was by far the better behaved of the two. The stress from the two made Lucy let out a big sigh. ''Easy there Luce. Just take a minute and breathe." Patamon coached hoping his advice would help his partner relax.
Even Agumon had to agree with that sentiment. "Patamon's right. Give them time.'' But then his stomach gurgled loudly. "Uh-oh I gotta go! Outta the way! Outta the way!'' He griped storming up the stairs and running to bathroom.
Tapping her pencil on her math review paper Mayu was frustrated. Multiplication was never a strong suit for her and it was driving her crazy. ''Dahh! I hate math! No matter how hard I try I'm not good at it!'' She vented in a huff.
Seeing her struggle Jason offered to help her. Multiplication was one thing he was good at, that and division too. "Maybe I can help. Let's see for 9's there's a hand trick. Not fast but it helps you just have to... "
Still Mayu was determined to figure her work out on her own and she cut him off right there. ''Back. Off. Buddy." Mayu hissed glaring up at him.
And back off Jason did not wanting the 12 year old getting any madder at him. "Sorry. Sorry I'm backin' off."
''Ah the inevitable roommate squabbling. Its started.'' Alex mused. "Or cabin fever effect.''
It seemed he was right as tempers flared up a lot more around the Inn. The likely reason was there were so many taking up residence there, 3 Dicolonii, 7 humans, 11 Digimon, and 2 dogs. So space & privacy were at all time premium. It got so bad a bath schedule had to be made just so nobody accidentally walked in on someone else.
Back to Lucy however she was still downstairs at the table now helping out the likes of Kouta on his psychology course. However the two were stumped with a few questions. They were social alienation and of course the old argument of nurture VS somehow seemed like a subject she'd enjoy studying for some reason. Interestingly or depending on your particular level of personal pessimism if that was a good thing, since Kouta and Kanae's father and aunt were in their car and had just stopped by the Inn.
The two were delighted to see the place had survived the many deadly onslaughts of monster attacks the on the city. Frankly it was like the were coming out from everywhere in the woodwork. He was hopeful his son, daughter, and niece were all right.
Also parked there was a large heavily-built truck. His son would've bought a much smaller car. In fact where'd get the money to buy it? In fact the model looked American. His daughter wasn't old enough to drive either much less buy a hulking guzzler like this. So what was going on he wondered? He opened the door and was greeted by his daughter and niece.
"Daddy how've you been?" Kanae said practically tackling him into a hug which Yuka copied.
"Uncle Koji it's good to see you... but you're here early." Yuka said doing the same. "And Auntie how're you?
"Great. Looks like you've been doing well too.'' The older woman said secretly happy her niece and nephew were safe and sound.
"Good to see you too then thought I'd come early... are you kids hosting a party here or something?" The older man said looking around the living seeing a large number of people there. Three of young grade school kids, two of which had bright pink hair, red eyes and what appeared to be strangely small cat-ear shaped horns. A few other kids were there too but they looked to be American transfer students. He noticed his son wasn't present however. "Um I seem to be missing that son of mine... where's Kouta gone to?"
''In the dining room. Going over my psychology course.'' Came Kouta's voice.
''And still getting stumped by it.'' Said an unfamiliar girl's voice.
The three Americans looked familiar as the older man struggled to place names to their faces. Then it hit him. They were the New Yorkers his kids met during the trip to Wall Street for a summer business trip. "Alex, JP, Jason... What're you three doing here?"
Naturally JP had to answer the man's rhetorical question just for fun. ''Um we're studying. Overseas? What's it look like?''
Giving them a quizzical expression which meant he regretted asking the question in the first place. Perhaps a splash of cold water would get his brain in gear. So he made up the excuse to use the bathroom. ''Excuse me I'm just going to use the bathroom. Be back in a flash.''
After walking to the said room he found it unlocked but everyone was downstairs so by his own volition he opened it and got quite an unexpected sight. For on the potty was a large upright orange lizard reading the news paper while doing his 'business'. "What the... ?" Was all he could say.
"Hey el ocupado! Out.'' Agumon said gesturing for the intruder to get out and let him finish.
The man shut the door in a flash only to wonder what the heck did he just see on the porcelain throne. The expression he had was one of ''just what the heck did I see back there?".
Calmly walking back downstairs he calmly questioned his son why a lizard creature was using the loo. "Son. Kouta my boy can you please tell me why a lizard monster is upstairs using the bathroom? I'm happy you and the girls are safe but what exactly is going on here?"
The likes of Agumon looked over the staircase knowing things just got more complicated. ''Uh-oh. This won't go away any time soon.'' The miffed looks on Kouta's older family members made that clear as day.
''Gah! Jigs up guys might as well come out.'' Yuka said with a heavy heart.
As if on cue the many Digimon residing there revealed themselves to the boy's father and aunt. To say they were shocked was an understatement. In fact no words held enough meaning to express their level of surprise & bewilderment at seeing these 'monsters' taking up residence at the Inn. Sighing Kouta gestured for them both to take a seat while he sat as well. ''Oh boy. Well uh Dad. Auntie we've some things we need to tell you. Sit down this all began when we arrived here a few days ago..."
"Oh, great. It's gonna be one of those long stories!" His aunt groaned knowing they'd be at this for quite awhile.
And so he explained everything that had happened since the first day of school. He explained what the monsters were, a creature made from living computing code as weird as that sounded. He, Kanae, and Yuka encountered Lucy on the beach at around sundown who told the Digimon lived in a date-based dimension created as a by-product of humanity computer, electronics, and communication networks. Jumping in Lucy explained all the creatures had distinctive names. The so-called attacks were made by evil Digimon serving a large alliance named the Kaiser Viral Network. They'd attacked several parts of the city but in each case they were defeated.
In fact over the next few days they'd even managed to defeated one of their major leaders... the appropriately named 'Devimon'. After a long difficult battle they defeated him. But not bringing forth the truth about their friend Lucy's heritage. Her odd pink hair, cat-ear shaped horns, and her deep red eyes all the result of being what was referred to as a Diclonius. A mutant off-branch of humanity. Her fellow housemates Mariko & Nana were also afflicted with the same condition. Lucy was a Queen Diclonius akin to a queen bee in a hive basically the literal or figurative mother of the others. The younger ones were referred to as Silpelits similar to worker bees.
In fact Lucy acted that way to them, like an actual supportive nurturing mother. She had them do the chores with her supervision of course. She read books to them and tucked them in at night. For the most part Nana wasn't too much trouble. Mariko though was another story. She was the problem child always trying to test Lucy's limits. Generally she listened, though on many occasions she had to be disciplined, harshly.
As in a spanking. Naturally hating it Mariko was asked if back in the laboratories if she liked being hurt during the experiments. She answered no to which Lucy explained then she shouldn't inflict pain on anyone else. Because they didn't like being hurt either. But the level of danger these mutated humans put the group in worried Kouta's old man. "But can I really trust these girls with you son?" He asked going into concerned parent mode.
The college going young man still had a few things to say though on Lucy's behalf. ''Dad before you even say anything about her. Think of it this she saved our lives. If she was evil why would she bother doing that? She could've just taken us out right then and there.''
"She's a great cook too." Kanae admitted.
Still Kouta had the last portion of exposition on just how this mess ended. Though they'd defeated Devimon and many other minions their battle had hit a roadblock. The orange suited Elvis impersonator Etemon. At the Digimon's current level they simply weren't powerful enough to beat him. This struck a chord with Kouta's aunt. She asked just many 'levels' Digimon have.
The two Digimon not partnered with the kids named Bokomon & Neemon respectively explained Digimon have a six-stage life cycle. After hatching from the 'Digi-Egg' they are at 'Fresh' Level. After training for awhile the upgrade to 'In-Training' Level. With continued experience eventually a Digimon grows to the 'Rookie' Level.
All the partner Digimon were at this stage. Further Levels were named 'Champion'. This was also the Devimon was at. However beyond that was 'Ultimate'. This the stage Etemon had reached. No matter how many times they tangled with him he was simply too powerful for them. But there was another level of power past that. After that lay the 'Mega' Level. The most powerful of all.
So Bokomon let the two older humans let this matter sink in. This was a serious matter that not even the world's military's could defeat. The likes of the Kaiser Viral Network were just too powerful. The only hope humans, Diclonii, and Digimon had for peaceful united worlds was the DigiDestined.
Leaning back in the chair Kouta's went into deep thought. It seemed Kouta was making a place for himself in the world. Not exactly what he had in mind but the Inn was clean and properly maintained. Chores were done and dishes cleaned. But something caught his attention, Lucy never once mentioned her family. Why leave such an important detail out?
So he calmly asked just that. ''Well Lucy your family must've been worried sick about you all that time. Don't you think you should let them know where you are and where you've been?"
This cued her depressed expression. She always hated this question. First why did her family simply drop her off then forget about her? Also she longed to meet them and yet her anger at being discarded made her want to smack some sense into them. ''No. Problem is I don't. I'm an orphan. The freak child nobody wanted. Not even my own mother."
This hit the older man's heartstrings. He knew Kouta would always help somebody in trouble but the fine details of their first meeting even made him a little misty-eyed. "I'm sorry. I had no idea.''
Shrugging Lucy simply told him how she saw it. ''I've gotten used to it.'' Despite her casual response he felt a deep sadness in her voice. The likes of Patamon hugged her arm comforting her nerves.
Adding further explanations Kanae told just how Mayu came to live there. A rogue Digimon not affiliated with the Network killed both her parents but her partner Renamon was able to save her and defeat the evil monster. She was a big help in helping Lucy with socializing Mariko & Nana. Then Nana managed to become partners with Salamon and Digivolve too.
And that was the last of the recapping the previous events before the two adults arrived. ''So lemme guess you're really disappointed in us huh? With us keeping this from you.'' Yuka timidly asked worried just what her aunt and uncle would decide to do next.
Truth be told Yuka was right to think that way since this wasn't the usual go to college and make out your own life type of was life and death. The older man looked to his son and daughter. Then Yuka his niece. Then to Lucy, Mariko, and Nana. Then to the three American exchange students Jason, Alex and JP. Finally he looked to the many Digimon. He blinked and let out a deep heavy sigh.
But the two sibling's aunt had other ideas. This whole mess was dangerous yet the kids seemed to be handling it themselves. But still like any mother she was worried about Yuka, her daughter. ''Brother what do think you of all this? You have to have some idea by now. Right?''
Finally after a long silence the older man spoke up. His response to all this was surprising. "No I'm not disappointed. Far from it. I think we should trust the kids on this. All three of them are old enough to make their own decisions. Its why they came here in the first place. These 'Digimon' have their backs. Hmm Agumon was it? Do you swear to protect my son at all costs. Even at the cost of your life?'' He asked sternly.
Standing up straight Agumon gave a military styled salute. ''Yes sir. I will."
"Same here." The plant-like Palmon said giving another military salute.
"Same goes for all of us here." Salamon said cutting in giving a third salute.
Still Kouta's father needed a few words with Lucy... In private however. He gestured for her to meet him out back. In all honesty she was worried. Would he forbid her from being around him? All sorts of negative outcomes bounced around inside her brain. Lucky her the rain had cleared up.
The back yard had a small table where the two sat for moment. As expected Patamon followed after her for moral support. He'd promised he'd stick by her til the very end. And he meant it. After what seemed like an eternity of silence Kouta's father finally spoke. He cleared his throat. "Ahem young lady there's a few things I need to get off my chest... First Lucy I need you to listen. Without you my son, daughter, and niece would be dead right now.
"Huh?" This wasn't the sort of 'talk' she was expecting from the man.
She blinked her deep red eyes confused at what she'd heard. He was thanking her? No that couldn't be right. Could it? ''Come again? You... approve of all this?'' She asked hopelessly confused.
The older man simply smiled gently. "I meant every word of it. Simply put without your friends the Digimon my children might be dead. And my niece.''
A twig being snapped made the two trio whip around seeing Kouta had been keeping a watch on them. "Yes! She's staying. Dad you have to let Lucy cook something for you. It'll knock your taste buds out. I mean thank you father.''
Softly chuckling his father gave his son a look that meant ''relax''. "Easy there my boy. Letting you go with your sister and cousin to study I see made the right decision. Taking care of those less fortunate, leadership skills, responsibility, Kouta you are well on your way to becoming a man. I'm very proud of you.''
Turning to look at the Inn before the man left he said one more thing. "Remember son if there's anything you need. Anything don't hesitate to come to us." He meant if they ever needed help they shouldn't hesitate to ask for help.
Being self-reliant was good but only for so much. Family support was always helpful if circumstances called for it. Kouta knew his father & aunt would be there if they needed any moral support.
With some tearful goodbyes the two older adults then left the youths to take control of their lives, and by extension their destinies. With family support it seemed another large burden had been lifted from the trio of relatives emotional shoulders. As night slowly started creeping closer the youngsters figured now was a good time to eat and keep their energy up.
A few of the stars in the dusk sky shone brightly for a few seconds as Patamon stared up at them ever hoping. Ever wondering if his wish would ever become reality. But with Kouta's father & aunt supporting their battle against the Network he started getting the feeling... it could happen. It really could.
-to be continued
Ok, ok, readers let's say I needed to update something of mine or I'd go crazy. Not to mention my loyal readers think Power Rangers Dimension Legends is dead. Its not. Writer's block and life issues have hampered my writing. But I figured I'd get off my lazy behind and finish this chapter up. Plus winter is winding up so I hope I can post more story updates.
And Kohta's father and aunt will be stopping by in a few chapters. Just how will Kouta's family react to Lucy, his American friends and the Digimon? Will he think they can be trusted? Will he trust that his children are doing the right thing by combating the Network? How will he react to Lucy's ''condition''? And futhermore Lucy's mother will appear too, so stay tuned for that chapter. To all those who work under Hasbro I make no money off this fanfiction story so its counterproductive to try suing me. I don't have any money to shell out. I write this only because I loved Digimon back in its heyday.
Please read and review this and my other stories which range from: Yokohama Night Monsters, Diclonius Goddess of Steel, Power Rangers Dimension Legends, ELG The Series, EL Digital Saviors, Cybertronian Invasion, and Maverick Hunter KLN to satisfy your craving for bizarre crossovers. This has been TURP "The Crossover Writer" and now slightly less insane phasing out people⦠later.
